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Arsenal and Leeds United have issued joint statements condemning the racist online abuse targeting both Nicolas Pepe and Ezgjan Alioski following Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Elland Road.
Pepe was sent off in the 51st minute after a clash with Alioski when the pair became entangled repeatedly before the Arsenal winger headed the Leeds defender with a header.
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Referee Anthony Taylor was alerted to the incident by the VAR and showed Pepe a red card for violent conduct after consulting the pitch monitor, which will rule him out of Arsenal’s next three home games against Wolves, Tottenham and Burnley.
But the incident has been overshadowed by the disgusting abuse directed at the couple with various former players, including Phoenix Rising winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. urging Twitter to take action.
Alioski has also been subjected to racist abuse, and sources have told ESPN that his family has been threatened.
Both Arsenal and Leeds committed to working with the relevant bodies to identify the people involved.
“We strongly condemn the vile abuses directed at Nicolas Pepe and Ezgjan Alioski on social media after our match against Leeds United,” Arsenal said in a statement on Monday.
“This is completely unacceptable and we will work with the police and authorities to do everything possible to locate and prosecute the culprits.”
A statement from Leeds read: “The vile abuse directed at Ezgjan Alioski and Nicolas Pepe on social media after yesterday’s Premier League game with Arsenal will not be tolerated by Leeds United.
“We will work closely with the police and football authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified and punished.”
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